A launch party for Tennessee State Parks official beer is Friday afternoon at Montgomery Bell State Park in Dickson County

The State Parks Blonde Ale, made by Nashville-based Tennessee Brew Works, will be available to sample 3 to 6 p.m. for attendees over 21.

The event also serves as a kickoff party for “Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee” bike tour that takes riders through a different part of Tennessee each year.

Live entertainment will be provided by Nashville-based bluegrass band Grasstime. Beer will also be available for purchase at the event.

Tennessee Brew Work’s State Park Blonde Ale is light, crisp American blonde session ale with subtle floral notes, created with high quality grains and hops. In addition to the launch parties, the beer is available in select retailers in Tennessee.

The park ranger featured on the beer’s label is a real ranger, Randy Hedgepath. He said it was "awkward" at times when he has been recognized in public for his label presence, but he is happy to take on the marketing role. Hedgepath, a state naturalist, has served the state parks for 34 years as a ranger and naturalist, giving guided walks focused on plants and animals.

"I'm really happy a private business wants to support our parks," said Hedgepath. "I'm glad to represent state parks, and I don't mind being recognized to support our parks."

Tennessee Brew Works will dedicate 50 cents to the Tennessee State Park Conservancy for every case of State Park Blonde Ale sold. The wholesalers will donate a minimum amount each year, or 50 cents a case, whichever is higher, and Kroger has contributed shelf space and signage. The conservancy will dedicate funding to preserving and protecting the parks.

“We are trying to bring awareness to the conservancy,” Tennessee Brew Works founder Christian Spears said. “Craft beer has gotten a lot of attention in the last few years. Here is moment in time and we have a little bit of clout and we want to use it for something we believe in. The beer is what we have. That’s our clout. That’s our ability to move the needle.”

The Tennessee State Park Conservancy was created in 2016 to help businesses and individuals contribute to causes within the park system they cared about, said Brock Hill, deputy commissioner for Tennessee State Parks and Recreation. While there are groups that raise funds for specific parks, there was not a system-wide organization for donors.

The park generates revenue through campground and cabin reservations, but those sales fall short of park costs. Fifty-five percent of costs are covered through the state's budget. Tennessee is one of seven park systems that does not charge admission fees so that the parks are open for everyone to enjoy, Hill said.

"We see this conservancy as an opportunity for us to generate revenue to offset some of that cost and be less dependent on the tax-paying public," Hill said. "There is clearly a lot of love for park systems and we want to to put together a situation where people who choose to do so can make contributions to our park system to make it better and sustain what we do in the long term."

The conservancy focuses on wellness and health, education and supporting natural and cultural resources, and the beer contributions will go towards the natural and cultural resources.

When Kroger learned of the effort, the grocery chained joined, selling the beer line in local stores. Together they hope to raise $7,000 in the first year, Spears said.